Over the next 10 years, the UK will need 60,000 new entrants into agriculture in order to sustain the industry, but with more and more people leaving rural areas, help is certainly needed to bring-on the next generation.

The Prince’s Countryside Fund provides grants to projects that support the people who care for our countryside. Their objectives are to improve the viability of British farming, by targeting the the areas with the greatest need, to improve the sustainability of rural communities and to reconnect people with the countryside.

In this round of funding, The Prince’s Countrside Fund are focused on tackling four key areas: rural isolation, caused by a lack of services and transport, the decline of rural communities, low farming incomes and the lack of access to training.

In light of the recent devastating floods, they are actively seeking applications from organisations that are working directly to support the victims of the flooding, particularly in Somerset, or are working on projects that are focused on recovery and resilience in rural areas.

Applications are being accepted from the 3rd March until the 24th April and are open to projects working in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland . For more information on how to apply, visit www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk